PAUL SVOBODA, SUN MEDIA

BELLEVILLE -- It took almost 100 minutes, but the Belleville Bulls extended their season by defeating the Brampton Battalion 3-2 in double-overtime last night at Yardmen Arena.

The Bulls staved off elimination and trail 3-2 in the OHL Eastern Conference final with Game 6 tonight in Brampton. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Nick Palmieri's second goal of the game -- and team-leading 12th of the playoffs -- decided a wild contest on the power play at 18:44 of the second overtime period, swatting a rebound between the legs of Brampton goaltender Thomas McCollum.

Palmieri said the Bulls were determined to avoid a playoff ouster on home ice.

"We knew we had to win, there was no other way to put it," said the big winger. "That was enough motivation for the guys to play hard. We've got to be happy with a win in an elimination game like this."

Brampton's Matt Duchene was in the penalty box for tripping when Palmieri counted the game-winning goal -- a fact not lost on Battalion coach Stan Butler.

"The last five penalties went to green (Brampton)," said Butler. "But give Belleville credit. They battled hard and competed hard. Give (Bulls goalie Mike) Murphy credit. He made some great saves but it was a tough way to lose."

Murphy, the reigning OHL goalie of the year, faced 56 shots and made several spectacular saves.

Matt Tipoff had the other Belleville goal while Cody Hodgson and Evgeny Grachev replied for Brampton. Defenceman P.K. Subban assisted on all three Belleville goals.

If the Bulls can win tonight, that would set up a seventh and deciding game Sunday at 7:15 p.m. at Yardmen Arena.